Greylock Federal awards $100K in Special Gifts To Nonprofits

Print Story | Email Story
(left to right) Johno Hinkell, Vice President, Market Manager at Greylock; Amy Hall, President and CEO and Billie Jo Sawyer, CFO of Child Care of the Berkshires; and Jamie Moncecchi, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at Greylock.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. Greylock Federal Credit Union is awarding 10 nonprofits with special gifts of $10,000 each totaling a $100,000 contribution to the nonprofit sector.
 
The recipients include: Elder Services of Berkshire County, Louison House, Childcare of the Berkshires, Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires (VIM), Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY), Soldier On, Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood, Our Community Table, UCP of Western Massachusetts and Berkshire Pride.
 
"At Greylock we know that the challenges and opportunities that we face are larger than we can tackle on our own, and we are grateful to have wonderful partners," said John Bissell, President and CEO of Greylock. "Together we can nurture the health of our local economy and community – that's what it means to be financially inclusive. We invest in these partner organizations so they can do their work investing in the people of our community."
 
Greylock's leadership recognized the importance of awarding funds to organizations dedicated to providing human services.
 
"We know that this year and next will be extremely challenging for nonprofits," said Jamie Moncecchi, Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer. "We know that this award will be put to good use, providing essential resources, care, and support for the well-being of our community."
 
Ilana Steinhauer, executive director of VIM, acknowledged current challenges.
 
"This generous support from Greylock comes at a critical moment. It allows us to respond to emerging needs and ensure that patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks can continue to access high-quality care," said Steinhauer. "Greylock has been an important partner in strengthening the health of our community, and this gift reflects a shared commitment to care without compromise."
 
Each year Greylock Federal gives charitable contributions to more than 300 501(c)3 nonprofits that apply for grants and sponsorships annually.
 
"We are so thankful for all our nonprofits in our community. We know the needs are growing rapidly," said Jennifer Connor Shumsky, Assistant Vice President, Community Support & Events. "To have more funding to disperse is fantastic! I am so grateful that we've been able to give an additional gift to help our local economy."
 
Amy Hall, president and CEO of Child Care of the Berkshires, was delighted to receive the unexpected gift from Greylock.
 
"What a wonderful surprise! This support will make a meaningful difference in our ability to serve and strengthen families through our Family Center program. Thank you," said Hall. 
 
According to a press release, investing in community partnerships aligns closely with Greylock's vision to be "the face of financial inclusion for the communities we serve," and its values to care, educate and inspire.
 
"I am so proud of the work we do here at Greylock," said Moncecchi. "Supporting these vital organizations is key to supporting the Berkshires. Whether it's AIRY helping youth at risk of suicide or Elder Services making sure our seniors have a hot meal each day or VIM caring for our immigrant neighbors, we believe strongly in giving back. This is one of the most powerful ways that Greylock can help the people of our community."

Tags: Greylock Federal,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Council Reviews Public Safety Budget, Keeps SpotShotter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On the fourth day of budget deliberations, the City Council preliminarily approved public safety and public service budgets. 

See the first two days of budget review here; and the third day here.

Councilors deliberated the Pittsfield Police Department's $16,439,421 spending plan for more than 90 minutes. Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren unsuccessfully motioned to cut $220,000 for ShotSpotter services. 

He said the acoustic gunshot detection technology is not well used throughout the country, citing other communities that have opted out or are exploring it. 

Pittsfield has two more years on its contract; while councilors voted down the budget reduction several were willing to explore the impact data and see if those funds could be used elsewhere. 

Police Chief Marc Maddalena reported that there has been a significant decrease in shots fired calls, and attributed it to the surveillance technology assisting enforcement. He said it also comes in faster than 911 calls. 

"If people know that just by that noise alone that we're responding within seconds, that's preventing them from utilizing that weapon," he said. 

"So that in of itself is saving lives." 

It has an about 20 percent accuracy rate, and police respond to every activation. 

On Sunday, at least two homes in the area of Memorial Drive and Doyle Drive were struck by gunfire and investigators located 17 shell casings on scene. This was brought up during conversation; it was reported that there were 13 impulses on ShotSpotter during the incident. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories